La Congona

Location:
Leymebamba , Peru

Ruin

By Lorraine Caputo

Spread out upon a ridge near Leymebamba, La Congona is an as-yet unexcavated llacta (town). About 30 houses with zigzag, rhomboid and step-fret friezes rise out of the heavy bramble vegetation. They are of typical Chachapoya design of the Late Intermediate Period (800-1470 A.D.). You can still see the stone cornices that served to channel water away from the terrace foundations. At the edge of the ridge is a three-storey structure, assumed b some to have been a watchtower. Climb the steps for a wide-angle view of the Utcubamba River valley below. If you have the eyes of a condor, you can see Kuélap and Yálape in the distance.

Getting There
La Congona lies far from the transited road. To walk there, take the path that zigzags like a vertical Chachapoya design up the hill at the end of Jr. 16 de Julio (3 hours there, 2 hours return). Ask directions frequently.

Travel Tips: Alternately, take a Celendín-bound bus or the daily milk truck (el lechero) to Las Palmas (3 soles/$1) and walk 1.5-2 hours downhill to La Congona; continue that path back to Leymebamba (2 hours). Ask directions frequently.

You could hire a guide to take you; however, it will cost about 25 soles/$8.30 for a five hour trip on foot, and you will spend only a little time at the site.

Price Description: Entry to the ruins is free.

Relative price: Free

Open Hours from:Sunrise

Open Hours to:Sunset

Days Closed:None

Travel Skills: beginner/easy.

You Need to Bring: Take water and a bit of food, as there are no stores along the entire route. Also, if it is a sunny day, take sunblock and a hat; if it is a day threatening rain, raingear (and expect the path to be muddy).